Maximus Gage
The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle that aids in jaw movement and chewing. While it is normal for the masseter to grow and reduce in size based on movement, some people may experience overgrown masseters, which can cause a square-shaped jaw, a more masculine appearance, or asymmetry. This can be due to various factors such as emotional stress, teeth grinding, gum chewing, or genetics. While Botox injections are a popular and effective treatment option, there are also non-surgical approaches, such as splint therapy, behaviour therapy, and facial massages, that can help reduce the size of the masseter muscle and improve facial aesthetics.
How to decrease the masseter muscle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes of overgrown masseter muscle | Chewing gum, teeth grinding, genetics, emotional stress, and repetitive habits |
| Non-surgical treatments | Splint therapy, behavior therapy, facial massage, reducing gum chewing, and other habits that overwork the muscle |
| Surgical treatments | Botox injections, jaw reduction surgery, liposuction |
| Effect of Botox | Weakens the muscle, reduces muscle contractions, improves jawline symmetry, and reduces pain |
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What You'll Learn
Stop chewing gum
The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face and is responsible for aiding jaw movement, including chewing. Overuse of the masseter muscle through activities such as gum chewing, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching can lead to an increase in muscle size and strength. Therefore, one way to decrease the size of the masseter muscle is to stop chewing gum.
Chewing gum can act as a form of masticatory muscle training, improving muscle function and strength by inducing changes in the size and composition of the masseter muscle fibres. This can result in hyperactivity of the masticatory muscles and subsequent changes in facial shape, such as a rectangular or square-shaped face. While some individuals may desire a more defined jawline, excessive chewing of gum may lead to negative consequences such as muscle strain, discomfort, and headaches.
In a 2024 study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, participants who chewed gum three times a day for six months did not exhibit any significant changes in maximum occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness, or mandibular shape compared to a control group. However, other studies have found that gum chewing exercises can increase bite force and improve masticatory function, particularly in individuals with masticatory disturbances or deficiencies.
It is important to note that the effects of gum chewing on the masseter muscle may vary depending on individual factors such as jaw structure and genetics. While stopping gum chewing can help reduce masseter muscle size over time, other habits such as teeth grinding or clenching during sleep may also contribute to muscle overuse and should be addressed. Additionally, while botox is often considered an effective treatment option for reducing masseter muscle size, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
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Stop teeth grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that can occur during the day or at night. It can lead to various issues, including tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. While mouth guards are often recommended to protect teeth from damage, there are other ways to reduce or stop teeth grinding.
Since stress is a major cause of bruxism, finding ways to relax can help. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can reduce stress and help manage teeth grinding. Improving your sleep routine can also help. Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time every night and avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before bed, as these can interfere with your sleep and trigger bruxism.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as consuming too much caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco, can increase the risk of teeth grinding. Reducing these substances can help decrease the likelihood of bruxism. Additionally, addressing any underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or snoring, can also contribute to reducing teeth grinding.
Jaw exercises can help strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, reducing grinding. However, it is important to note that the masseter muscle, which is one of the largest muscles in the face, can become overworked due to teeth grinding. This can lead to an enlarged masseter, making the face look more square or asymmetrical. While Botox injections are considered an effective treatment option for overgrown masseters, natural methods such as facial massages and reducing teeth clenching can also help.
In summary, managing stress, improving sleep hygiene, addressing lifestyle factors, and practicing jaw exercises can all contribute to reducing or stopping teeth grinding. For those seeking more immediate results, Botox injections or mouth guards may be considered under medical advice.
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Botox injections
Masseter Botox is primarily used for cosmetic reasons, as it can slim the face by reducing the size of enlarged masseter muscles. This can lead to a more angled chin and jaw, softening the face and making it appear less square-shaped. The procedure can also be used to correct the shape of the jaw following a fracture.
In addition to cosmetic applications, masseter Botox can also be used to treat teeth grinding (bruxism) and relieve the associated pain of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and headaches. By relaxing the masseter muscle, Botox injections can reduce the force and frequency of teeth grinding, minimising pain and making it easier to treat a broken jaw.
The procedure is typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic by a trained healthcare professional. Before the procedure, a consultation will be held to discuss goals and concerns, examine the jaw and face, and determine the injection site and dosage. Topical anaesthesia may be applied to numb the area, and the injection itself usually takes less than a minute. Results are often visible within a few days, and the effects typically last for three to four months.
While generally safe, Botox injections can have side effects, including pain at the injection site, bruising, swelling, headaches, and chewing weakness. Vision changes, numbness, shortness of breath, and trouble swallowing are also possible but less common. It is important to choose an experienced healthcare provider to minimise the risk of incorrect muscle injection, which can lead to unwanted side effects.
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Splint therapy
Sleep bruxism is a condition where people clench or grind their teeth during sleep, which can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD is characterised by severe orofacial pain and issues with jaw movement, such as locking and clicking. To treat TMD, some patients opt for occlusal splint therapy, a type of oral appliance that helps relax the muscles.
In a randomised clinical trial, 60 individuals with severe TMD and sleep bruxism were divided into four treatment groups:
- Massage group
- Conventional occlusal splint group
- Massage + conventional occlusal splint group
- Silicone occlusal splint group
The study found that Group 3, which received massage therapy and wore an occlusal splint, demonstrated the greatest improvement in the intensity of TMD symptoms compared to the other groups. However, it is important to note that the intra-group analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations in any of the groups.
Another study evaluated the effects of occlusal splint therapy on the volume of the masseter muscle in sleep bruxism patients. While the mean volume of the masseter muscle did not significantly decrease after splint therapy, the patients did experience reduced discomfort. This suggests that splint therapy can be beneficial for managing sleep bruxism and reducing muscle tension, even if it does not lead to a significant reduction in muscle volume.
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Massage the muscle
Massage is an effective way to relieve jaw pain and soothe the masseter muscle. It can be done at home and is a non-medicinal solution for TMJ disorders, which are usually the result of inflamed and painful chewing muscles around the jaw.
To begin the massage, sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. Gently clench your teeth and relax your jaw to locate the masseter muscle. Place your fingertips (two or three fingers) approximately two finger-breadths higher than your cheekbone and your ear. Gently massage this area in circular motions, moving from the front of the head (the temporal area) to the middle (above the ear) to the back (behind the ear). This should be done for about 30 seconds.
It is important to note that self-massage must be done consciously and gently. Do not push or pull too hard, as this can damage your jaw joint. Only massage to the point of feeling the stretch, not pain. Regularly performing these exercises, ideally every day, can bring relief to sore jaw muscles, decrease tension headaches, and improve the function of your jaw joint.
In addition to massaging the masseter muscle, it is beneficial to also massage the neck, especially the suboccipital muscle group under the back of the skull. This is because people with temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJS) tend to have more trigger points in their neck muscles as well. Furthermore, some neck mobilizations or heating can also help to improve facial tension.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is one of the largest muscles in the face and is used for chewing. There are two masseters on each side of the face.
The only effective way to decrease the muscle is to use it less. However, this can be difficult as many people clench and grind their teeth in their sleep without realising. Botox is often considered the most effective option for treating an overgrown masseter.
Botox injections relax the muscles so that they decrease in size. The injections are made directly into the muscle to help reduce muscle contractions.
Yes, there are conservative/non-surgical therapies such as splint therapy and behaviour therapy. Splint therapy involves using an oral appliance to help decrease biting forces from clenching and grinding. Behaviour therapy involves learning techniques to help with relaxation, stress management, thermal therapy, sleep hygiene, and dietary counselling.
Common factors that can contribute to an enlarged masseter muscle include emotional stress, chronic clenching and grinding, and repetitive habits such as gum chewing.
